Fun In
The Work Place: The Pat Award
Submitted by
Kathleen Jones, Coordinator for Residential Learning Programs, Millersville
University of Pennsylvania
A year ago
our Housing Department started a tradition with the discovery of a 12"
ceramic owl in the back of a closet. Our Director of Housing and Residential
Programs introduced it to us as a new recognition award that would be
passed around at our bi-weekly staff meetings.
The previous
meeting winner presents the award at each meeting to the next recipient.
They select the next winner because of outstanding performance or to acknowledge
that person's unique contributions to the department during the previous
two weeks.
As each
person receives the award they must add something to the award to personalize
it. In a year, the now duly dubbed "Pat the Owl" award is passed
on complete with miniature car, Olympic medal, tissue paper flower adorned
hat, tiny t-shirt, pennant, hula skirt, etc.
As the Pat
award is passed on, the previous winner explains what has been added and
its significance.
Through
the Pat Award we have learned a lot about one another. It has also become
a favorite part of our staff meetings.